In the news: Basildon Council's Economic Development Team scoops IED Team of the Year award

The awards, which were hosted in London on 6^th November following the IED Annual Conference 'Economic Transition - How do we deliver long-lasting change in our towns, cities and regions?', recognise achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.

The Team of the Year award, sponsored by Copper Consultancy, is geared towards exceptional economic development teams who go above and beyond in ensuring the smooth running and effective delivery of economic development functions in their organisations.

The submission from Basildon Council's Economic Development Team, a small multi-disciplinary team covering business engagement, inward investment, skills, employability, town centre management and sector development, focused on their work on a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the Basildon, South Essex and regional economy.

In the last year alone, the team has supported over 3,000 businesses, delivered approximately 300 events, attracted in excess of 1,000 people to the first Creative Tech Festival and 1,000 young people to the Basildon Skills Show, reached more than 2,500 primary aged pupils with a primary careers programme, and supported over 1,500 people with employability services.

Basildon Council's team were supported at the event by Cllr Adele Brown - Deputy Leader of Basildon Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure.

Cllr Brown said: "Over the past year, the Economic Development team has achieved remarkable things—from securing critical investments and launching innovative programs to supporting thousands of local businesses and residents. Their work on initiatives like the Create Growth Programme and the Basildon Skills Show has not only strengthened our local economy but laid the groundwork for a future where Basildon stands as a leader in innovation, creativity, and prosperity.

"This team's efforts have positioned Basildon as a place where businesses can thrive, where young people can find meaningful careers, and where the community comes together to support shared progress. To the Institute of Economic Development, thank you for recognising this team's exceptional work. And to everyone who shares our vision for Basildon's future, we look forward to what we can achieve together. Here's to a bright future for Basildon, built by the incredible efforts of this team!"

IED Director Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the IED Annual Awards 2024, said: "Many congratulations to Basildon Council's Economic Development Team as the winner of our Team of the Year award. The judges praised this team for their impressive outputs despite having only six staff members. Over the past year, they supported over 3,000 businesses, hosted more than 300 events, and engaged thousands of young people. The team demonstrated a strong understanding of community needs, focusing on skills and education as essential components of regeneration. Our judges highlighted the breadth of the team's activities and high levels of engagement, particularly with primary school children and individuals seeking employment support. Overall, they commended the team's dynamism and effective communication in showcasing their efforts."

IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added: "Congratulations to all our winners, those who our judging panel determined should be Highly Commended for their nomination, and indeed everyone who was shortlisted and took the time and opportunity to enter the awards this year. We had a fabulous awards evening, it was an inspirational, uplifting and joyous occasion, and thanks to all award sponsors for their support."

The IED is the UK's leading independent professional body for economic development and regeneration practitioners, supporting them to create stronger communities and sustainable economies.

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Published 7 November 2024

Notes to editors:

The Institute of Economic Development (IED) is the UK's leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established 40 years ago, the IED's key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. 

The IED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.